Social Work Licensure in Texas

Almost a country unto itself, Texas is the lone star state and has a history that brings its residents plenty of pride. From the legendary oil fields of west Texas, to the Alamo the shining skyline of Houston or the vast communities throghout, Texas is a huge and varied state with lots to offer. Texas is also a great state to start your licensed Social Work career in. It is important to remember that the best way to stay informed with current regulations is the state’s website on licensure. Here is the website for the State of Texas:

There are four different kinds of social work licenses in Texas: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Master Social Worker - Advanced Practice (LMSW-AP) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)

If you wish to attain the title Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) in Texas, you must first get a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college. You must pass a criminal background check.

No field experience is required for this license.

You must also pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelor’s Level Exam and the Texas state Jurisprudence exam.

To renew your license, you must have successfully completed 30 clock hours of continuing education.

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

If you wish to attain the title Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Texas, you must first get a Master or Doctorate of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college. You must pass a criminal background check.

No field experience is required for this license.

Finally, you must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s Level Exam and the Texas state Jurisprudence exam.

To renew your license, you must have successfully completed 30 clock hours of continuing education.

Licensed Master Social Worker- Advanced Practice (LMSW-AP)

If you wish to hold the title of Licensed Master Social Worker - Advanced Practice (LMSW-AP) in Texas, you must first get a Master or Doctorate of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college. You must pass a criminal background check.

Upon applying for your license, you must provide verification of 24 months of non-clinical Social Work practice. This must include 100 supervision hours.

You must then receive a passing score on an Association of Social Workers ASWB Advanced Generalist Level Exam and the Texas state Jurisprudence exam.

To renew your license, you must have successfully completed 30 clock hours of continuing education.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Texas, you must first get your Master or Doctorate of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college. You must pass a criminal background check.

Upon applying for your license, you must provide verification of 24 months of non-clinical Social Work practice. This must include 100 supervision hours. This must occur while you hold the LMSW-AP license.

Once you have completed and sent in application you may apply with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) for their Clinical or Advanced Generalist Level exam and the Texas state Jurisprudence exam. Once you pass the test you will be eligible to receive your Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Texas.

To renew your license, you must have successfully completed 30 clock hours of continuing education.